Michael Bublé

2017 National Arts Centre Award

Singer and entertainer

A charismatic singer, talented songwriter and brilliant entertainer, Michael Bublé has become one of the pre-eminent music artists of his generation. Inspired by such classic singers as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Tony Bennett, as well as modern artists (notably Bryan Adams and Harry Connick, Jr.), he includes jazz standards, adult contemporary pop songs and original material in his repertoire. His rich baritone voice, engaging humour and magnetic stage presence have made him one of the most sought-after performers in the world, and many of his recordings have achieved number one status in Canada and internationally.
 
Michael Bublé was born in Burnaby, B.C., in 1975. His grandfather introduced him to the music of the big band era at a young age. He knew then that he wanted to be a singer and that this style of music, almost unknown to his own generation, was what he wanted to perform.
 
While still in his teens, he won the Canadian Youth Talent Search, sang with various bands and released three independent albums. But success was slow in coming, largely because industry executives weren’t sure how to market his particular style. “It teaches you: never quit, because you never know what’s coming around the corner,” he says.
 
In 2000, he signed his first major recording contract. His self-titled debut album was released three years later to worldwide commercial success, and earned him his first Juno Award. To date, he has released 9 studio albums, 3 live albums, 9 EPs, 17 singles, 14 music videos and 3 DVDs. He has toured in over 50 countries, sold 50 million records worldwide, and placed 4 consecutive albums in the number one spot on Billboard 200. His ninth studio album, Nobody But Me, was released in October 2016, and the title song and the single “I Believe in You” have received over 4.6 million and 6.5 million views respectively on YouTube.
 
Michael Bublé’s awards and honours include 11 Junos, 4 Grammys, a Gemini for Best Performance or Host in a Variety Program or Series, a Canadian Screen Award, and 7 Smooth Jazz Awards. He is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2015.